Friday, June 29, 2012

What day is it?

Today is the 30th of June...but you may be thinking Heather I am reading your blog on the 29th (if you are actually doing that).  The reason for that my friends is the fact that I AM IN AUSTRALIA.  God has totally provided and been faithful in this whole process.  Praise and glory be to Him.  I am in Perth, safe and sound and only a little chilly (it is winter here and is especially cold in the AM). I will do a quick run down of what has happened since LA.

From LA to Melbourne: It was a super long flight. I think it was 15 or 16 hours.  I sat by two very nice high school graduates who were going to go visita a friend/former exchange student in Melbourne.  I watched way too many movies: The Rum Diaries, We Bought the Zoo, Mirror Mirror, and Big Miracle.  I was trying to stay awake and only sleep when it was night time in Perth.  That was easier said then done, but I was pretty successful.  It turns out that I was on this flight with a Music DTSer from Green Bay, WI.  His name is Luke and I thought he looked cool because he had tattoos.  We finally figured out we were both going to YWAM Perth, when we were in Perth and went to the girl with the YWAM sign.  The flight was overall pretty boring, but I enjoyed just relaxing, doing Sudoku, watching movies, listening to music, and trying to sleep.

On the flight from LA to Melbourne
In Melbourne: I had to go through customs.  The line was long and I was worried about missing my flight since I had only 2 hours to make the next flight.  (spoiler alert: I make it)  The customs officer was super nice and I could have talked to him longer.  It turns out the my name did not match my passport exactly (only my middle initial and not my fill middle name).  They were so nice and just said (basically), "Oh I will just go change this on the computer and get you on your way." So it was such a blessing and I know that God was removing barriers.  I made it to the gate pretty much no problem.  I got my bag for customs and dropped it off with Qantas again.  I then went through airport security, which is way more relaxed compared to Chicago and LA.  I even had time to rent some internet and check my email and post on facebook.  I also got to change my clothes and freshen up...I was feeling gross by this point.

From Melbourne to Perth: This was only a 4 hour flight.  It was a pretty empty flight and I tried to sleep and just relax.  The most difficult part of my journey was over.  The food on Qantas was good, I enjoyed it.  I had an empty seat next to me and the guy on the other side slept the whole time.  So uneventful.

Thursday in Perth: I got off the plane and headed to baggage claim.  I met Ariel, which is on staff and helps run the Music DTS.  She is from CANADA!  This is where I met Luke.  We got our bags (turns out I packet pretty light compared to some, that's what Ariel said).  We went out to wait from Nathan, who was driving the car and is also the July DTS staff.  He is cool and so excited for what God is doing here and in the leadership training.  We then went to 228, which is where most DTS students will be staying.  It reminds me of a mix of a cabin from camp (tons of bunk beds) and an apartment (fun hangout areas).  We put our stuff down and went to the base.  I met way too many people and was kind of jet lagged, so I had to ask names later, again. The base is so cool and new.  It is so open and beautiful.  I love it.  I got to meet my team leader Matty and his wife.  He kind of does remind me to Ture, which is good...I need that to keep me real.  I then went back and unpacked.  This is where I met Brittany.  She is also 26 and will be doing the Sport DTS.  We hit it off right away.  We have been hanging out every day.  She has been a good friend.  That evening we went to dinner, used the internet, played some cards, and hit the sack around 8.  

This has gotten long, so I will post more another time.  Ask questions or let me know what you would like me to post about next :)

4 comments:

Nicole said...

YEA for being in Perth! I didn't know that there were different sections of the DTS (music, sports, etc.). That's interesting! Which DTS section are you in? Is there a lot of overlap between the sections or is it mostly integrated?

Unknown said...

The adventure begins!! We are with you every step of the way Heather! Love you! Aunt Beth xoxox

Kelly Mohrbacher said...

"I though he looked cool because he had tattoos." haha. That was funny to me. Yay! You made it!!! :) God is good.

Lauren said...

We are so excited that you made it safely! Can't wait to hear what amazing things God has planned for this time. xoxo